Immigrate to Spain focus Spain Immigration Guide: I believe everyone has heard of Spain's famous wine regions, such as Rioja, Sherry, and Ribera del Duero. They have been renowned for decades or even centuries, so I will not discuss them here. Rather than exploring familiar places, I prefer to introduce some interesting, smaller Spanish wine regions—perhaps not newly emerging, but mostly unknown. Therefore, I will not focus on the dazzling star regions, but instead use this article as an opportunity to embark on a wonderful journey. I believe you will be fascinated by their high-quality wines, unique landscapes, and the people who live on that land.
Asturias:
Located near the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, Asturias has a long tradition of brewing "Sidra" (known in English as Cider, a sparkling wine made from apples). In the steep valley planting areas, there are slopes reaching 30°, and grapes are planted on terraces, making mechanical work nearly impossible. Despite these adversities (high altitude, heavy rainfall, and difficulty in fruit ripening), the local people remain unyielding and have even applied for a Protected Designation of Origin for Asturias.
Ribeira Sacra:
Ribeira Sacra can be ranked as one of the three most impressive Spanish wine regions due to its unique landscape. Everywhere you look, there are hillsides formed by long-term erosion, leaving almost no room for vineyards. However, nothing is absolute, and Mencía (a red grape variety) and Godello (a white grape variety) perform brilliantly here. I believe that the wines of Ribeira Sacra will surely have a bright future: influenced by the cool climate, they are delicate in taste, rich in fruit aromas, and carry the mineral notes characteristic of Mediterranean wines.
Winery Recommendations: Adega Ponte da Boga, Raúl Pérez (Classic wine: El Pecado)
Priorat:
Priorat is a "potential stock" among Spanish wine regions. A hot climate, poor weathered slate and quartzite soil locally known as "llicorella," and hillsides covered with terraces—this is Priorat. Today, it still adheres to traditional cultivation methods: extensive terracing, low-density planting, small-scale production, and a pursuit of intensity and minerality. Compared to its relatively mature red wines, its white wines are still waiting to be developed.
Winery Recommendations: Clos Mogador, Cellers Vall-Llach, Alvaro Palacios (Classic wines: L'Ermita, Clos Dofí)
Axarquía:
This is arguably one of the most traditional wine regions in Spain. It is part of the Málaga region, and its current area is not even one-tenth of what it was centuries ago. The Málaga region, especially Axarquía, is famous for its long history of winemaking; in fact, this place was already renowned during the Roman Empire two thousand years ago. Axarquía is one of the world's important production areas for raisins and sweet wines. The steep hillsides near the Mediterranean form a unique valley. We cannot imagine how they work so hard in such an environment, but once you taste that amazing sweet wine, you will understand that these fine wines are worth such great effort.
Winery Recommendations: Dimobe – Bodega A. Muñoz Cabrera, Bodegas Bentomiz, Sedella Vinos
Empordà:
Empordà is very special; the region is vast, and the landscape is more complex and diverse, encompassing everything from plains and mountains to coastal terraces. Steep hillsides and terraces scattered with slate are mainly concentrated in the northern region and the eastern coast. Empordà is also a region with a long history, possessing over two thousand years of cultural heritage. Thanks to the full-bodied and powerful red wines produced here, it is now considered a rising star. In addition to red wines, its history of brewing white wines, rosé wines, and sparkling wines is equally long. It is worth mentioning that this region produces an excellent sweet wine made from special Garnacha grapes.
Winery Recommendations: Celler Hugas de Batlle, Castillo Perelada